Personal Emergency Response System

Program/Service description

A Personal Emergency Response System is a device that allows a person at high risk (for example an older
person who lives alone and has a health problem) to get immediate help in the event of an emergency. The
person who is using the system wears a button that he or she can push if needed. The button connects electronically
to the person's phone, which is programmed to send a signal to a response center or other contact
persons who can then carry out a series of actions to help the person in need.

Public funding source(s)*

State funds

Older Americans Act

Who is eligible

At-risk frail elderly or adults with physical disabilities who live alone or who are alone a good portion
of the day.

*Public funding means that the program is paid for, in part or in whole, by the
government. Some publicly-funded programs have eligibility requirements and provide
services at low cost or no cost to people who qualify. Most of these programs and services
though, are also available to people who are able to pay privately (with their own money).
For more information, please see the Sources of Funding section
of this web site.